Iraqi Christians ordered by Islamic State to convert

Iraq – Iraqi Christians in Mosul have been ordered by Islamist insurgents to convert to Islam or face consequences. As reported by Reuters, a statement was issued by the Islamic State ordering those who did not convert to pay a religious levy or be sentenced to death.

The announcement is quoted as stating of Christians who sought to remain in the “caliphate” that has been declared in areas of Iraq and Syria, “We offer them three choices: Islam; the dhimma contract – involving payment of jizya; if they refuse this they will have nothing but the sword.”

The statement has reportedly been disseminated and read aloud in mosques. It reportedly also said that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ordered those who did not want to live under the contract terms to “leave the borders of the Islamic Caliphate” by a specified deadline.